The Miracle of CPAP
Mike McEvoy examines some of the physiological reasons that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) works for a variety of conditions.
Video: CPAP Applications
In this video, Mike McEvoy discusses the use of disposable CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) masks, a method of assisting a patient’s respiration without intubation.
An Argument for BLS CPAP
Barriers to CPAP adoption by BLS providers are finally falling, and BLS use of CPAP is now supported by the 2019 National EMS Scope of Practice Model.
CPAP: From the Beginning Until Now
Although originally intended to treat prehospital patients in pulmonary edema resulting from heart failure, CPAP is now indicated for virtually any condition resulting in significant dyspnea accompanied by signs and symptoms of increased work of breathing.
Succinylcholine or Rocuronium for RSI?
There has been much debate over which type of neuromuscular blockade should be used to paralyze patients during RSI. A recent JEMS article compares and contrasts two of the more popular drugs used for RSI.
Insert an Oropharyngeal Airway
Learn the history of the oropharyngeal airway (OPA) and review how to size the OPA for the patient, as well as the correct way to insert this basic, and effective, airway adjunct.
Assessing Acute Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, results from air hunger, a sensation that you’re not getting enough air. Here’s how to spot a patient with increased work of breathing, an important assessment for an EMS provider evaluating a patient with dyspnea.
Where Pressure Meets the Patient: Proper Mask Application for Noninvasive Ventilation
On the go? Listen to the article in the player below! When applying a device to deliver noninvasive ventilation (e.g., CPAP or BiPAP) to a patient, many providers forget to pay attention to one of the most critical aspects of using these lifesaving devices: the mask...
Breathe It All In
Thorough Assessment is Crucial in Patients with Respiratory Distress By Dennis Edgerly A 48-year-old male sits in his bedroom, sitting up and leaning forward. As you approach him, he tells you he can’t catch his breath. He’s in obvious distress, but is able to tell...
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